DEFECT OCCLUDER RELEASE ASSEMBLY & METHOD - A release assembly is provided to aid the reversible and repositionable deployment of a defect occluder. The release assembly includes an occluder tether having a distal portion comprising at least one suture loop, and a snare structure having a distal portion comprising a snare element. The at least one suture loop is receivable through at least a portion of the defect occluder, and reversibly looped over an anchor element so as to permit reversible collapse the defect occluder for selective ingress and egress from a delivery catheter. The snare element is reversibly engageable with the anchor element so as to reversibly retain the at least one suture loop upon the anchor element, and thereby hold the defect occluder in a posture for reversible free-floating tethered deployment in a defect while being observable in a final position prior to release.

2009-05-21

20090131979

Wound closure method apparatus and system - Disclosed is a wound closure device, such as a suture, including a substantially flexible tensile member, the tensile member having an external surface, the external surface including a biocidal material such as a coating of substantially pure silver. A method of applying the suture includes piercing a patient's skin adjacent to a wound using, for example, a needle and drawing a substantially flexible tensile member through a resulting aperture in the skin. By virtue of the biocidal material, pathogens and other bioactive materials drawn through the aperture are rendered less active and/or incapable of causing infection.

2009-05-21

20090131980

Tendon Cap and method for tendon repair - A method and apparatus for joining opposite ends of a severed tendon or ligament. A core suture is attached to one of the severed ends. A cap is attached to the severed end by the core suture. The cap protects the severed end from trauma and fraying as it is pulled back toward the opposite severed end of the tendon. The cap is removed prior to reattachment of the severed ends. The cap may have a coating applied to it to reduce friction and add other properties such as improved healing to the tendon after it is reattached.

2009-05-21

20090131981

Mobile spine stabilization device - An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second screws adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated ligament with a first end connected to the first screw and the second end operatively connected with the second screw. The ligament is made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have ductile inelastic properties at body temperature and is capable of plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. The preferred nickel titanium has a martensite/austenite transition temperature above body temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the second pedicle screw includes a bearing for receiving the ligament in a slidably engageable relationship. The device further includes optional first and second dampening members surrounding the ligament for restraining the spinal column during flexion and extension.

2009-05-21

20090131982

BONE ANCHOR AND SPINAL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM - An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a longitudinal shaft having a tip at one end adapted to enter bone. A thread extends along the shaft for advancing the shaft into the bone and holding the shaft in place in the bone. A head is mounted on the shaft at a position spaced from the tip. The anchor also includes connector mounts spaced along the head. Each mount is adapted to connect the elongate member to the head.

2009-05-21

20090131983

BONE ANCHORING DEVICE AND BONE STABILIZATION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A bone anchoring device, includes a receiving part for receiving a rod-shaped implant element, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end of the receiving part, and a recess extending from the first end to accomplish insertion of the rod-shaped implant element. The device further includes a bone screw having a threaded section for insertion into the bone and being fixed at or positionable at a second end of the receiving part and a fixation element provided to the first bore to fixate a rigid section of the rod-shaped implant element. The rigid section of the rod-shaped implant element has a first width, and the recess of the receiving part has a second width. The second width is larger than the first width, such that the recess may accommodate a stepped portion of the rod-shaped implant element that has an increased thickness.

2009-05-21

20090131984

SPINE SUPPORT IMPLANT INCLUDING INTER VERTEBRAL INSERTABLE FLUID BALLASTABLE INSERT AND INTER-VERTEBRAL WEB RETAINING HARNESSES - An implant support device associated with succeeding spinal vertebrae, including a harness exhibiting a plurality of legs, each extending from a rotatable bearing or suitable interconnecting support. Each of the legs terminates in an angled tang, this being engaged with a surface of a selected vertebrae. Additional features include undercut portions defined between the legs and arcuate/hemispherical mounting locations surrounding the bearing in individually rotatably permitting fashion. Inter-vertebral support cushions are also positioned between succeeding vertebrae, and can be incorporated with or provided separately from the web support harnesses.

2009-05-21

20090131985

VERTEBRAL FIXING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. Said fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or said transverse process and to be connected to said rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together said connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and adjustable locking means fastened to said connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position said connecting part relative to said rod and at least one portion of said ligature relative to said connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of said rod and said vertebra in opposite directions.

BONE REDUCTION DEVICE AND METHOD UTILIZING SAME - A bone reduction device for use with a bone plate includes a plate attachment arm having at least one aperture for receiving at least one plate attachment device of the bone plate for coupling the plate attachment arm to the shaft of the bone plate. A bone attachment arm is disposed alongside the plate attachment device and has at least one aperture for receiving at least one bone attachment device of the bone plate for coupling the bone attachment arm to a segment of a bone. The bone attachment arm is moveable relative to the plate attachment arm. An adjustment mechanism is carried by the plate attachment arm and engages the bone attachment arm for translating the bone attachment arm relative to the plate attachment arm.

2009-05-21

20090131988

Cervical plate with a feedback device for selective association with bone screw blocking mechanism - A bone plate having at least one screw hole adapted to receive a bone screw, a blocker having a blocking end for blocking a bone screw from further backout of bone the blocker being predisposed in a blocking position wherein the blocking end at least partially overlaps a portion of the screw hole, the blocker being moveable from the blocking position by contact with the bone screw during insertion of the bone screw into the screw hole, and a blocker fixation element having an open orientation at which the blocker can move from the blocking position and a closed orientation preventing substantial movement of the blocker from the blocking position. The blocker fixation element cannot be moved to the closed orientation unless the screw head passes the blocker, thereby revealing that the blocker fixation element is in position to prevent substantial movement of the blocker.

2009-05-21

20090131989

Bone screw and method for manfacturing the same - A faceted bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having facets that are substantially transverse to the thread. The facets are generally made up of a plurality of transitioning peaks and valleys which vary the depth of the thread and are disposed in one or more locations throughout the threaded portion of the bone screw. The facets operate to reduce the torque required to drive the bone screw into bone, while at the same time operate to assist in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion.

2009-05-21

20090131990

BONE SCREW SYSTEM AND METHOD - An improved bone screw comprising an adapter which permits to a stabilization device, such as a locking plate. The adapter may be operable to couple with the head of a bone screw and may comprise a plurality of threads to permit coupling with holes located in a locking plate. The adapter may be configured to orient a bone screw at a desired trajectory.

2009-05-21

20090131991

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE FIXATION OF BONE FRACTURES - A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The system includes a flexible wire attached to a tip. The tip may comprise a substantially planar surface and a pointed cutting edge and cutting threads. The system may further comprise a sleeve that is insertable over the flexible wire to provide additional stability and strength. The sleeve may be smooth or may comprise a gripping means to increase the holding strength of the system. The system and method may be used to deliver treatment to a bone to facilitate fixation. The treatment may comprise medications, adhesives, implants, fasteners, suturing materials, and/or other means of fixation.

2009-05-21

20090131992

EXPANDABLE ATTACHMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - An attachment device with a radially expandable section is disclosed. The attachment device can have helical threads, for example, to facilitate screwing the attachment device into a bone. Methods of using the same are also disclosed. The attachment device can be positioned to radially expand the expandable section in cancellous bone substantially surrounded by cortical bone.

Passive Electric Field Focus System for In Vivo and In Vitro Applications - The present invention provides a system and method of directing, focusing, or concentrating electrical charges within a defined electric field so that these charges can be used to exert forces on cells and tissues in vivo and/or cell cultures in vitro. The present invention reduces and/or eliminates the damage at a target site that would normally be caused by an electrode that acts as a current source or sink to accomplish the same task.

2009-05-21

20090131995

MICRODEVICE-BASED ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - Microdevice-based electrode assemblies and associated neurostimulation systems, devices and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a microdevice positioned to send signals or fluids to the patient, and/or to receive signals or fluids from the patient. The microdevice can include a housing having an external surface, and a signal/fluid transmitter/receiver positioned within the housing and coupled to a terminal carried by the housing. The system can further include a patient-implantable, flexible support member attached to the external surface of the housing and carrying the housing. The system can still further include an interface carried by the support member and connected to the terminal, with the interface being positioned to direct signals or fluids into patient tissue, and/or receive signals or fluids from the patient tissue.

2009-05-21

20090131996

Tachycardia hemodynamics detection based on cardiac mechanical sensor signal regularity - Systems and methods provide for sensing, within a patient and during an event of tachycardia, a signal indicative of a mechanical response of the patient's heart to the tachycardia. Regularity of the signal relative to a threshold established for the patient is determined. A state of patient hemodynamics during the tachycardia event is determined based at least in part on the regularity of the signal. One or more anti-tachycardia therapies to treat the tachycardia may be selected based at least in part on the determined state of patient hemodynamics. The selected one or more anti-tachycardia therapies may be delivered to treat the tachycardia.

2009-05-21

20090131997

AUTOMATIC DEFIBRILLATOR MODULE FOR INTEGRATION WITH STANDARD PATIENT MONITORING EQUIPMENT - A defibrillator module is described which includes a cardiac sensor, a pulse generator and a controller that generates commands responsive to intrinsic cardiac signals for the operation of said pulse generator. The defibrillator module synergistic and arranged so that it can be coupled to a generic patient monitor so that the two can share certain functions. For example, operational parameters and other signals indicative of the operation of the defibrillator module can be shown to the clinician by the patient monitor. Data between the defibrillator module and the patient monitor is exchanged using either a standard or a customized protocol.

Hemodynamic status assessment during tachycardia - Systems and methods provide for sensing, during an event of tachycardia, hemodynamic signals concurrently from at least two spatially separated locations within a patient, and quantifying a spatial relationship between the hemodynamic signals. Hemodynamic stability or state of the patient during the tachycardia event is determine based at least in part on the quantified spatial relationship. One or more anti-tachycardia therapies to treat the tachycardia may be selected based at least in part on the determined stability or state of patient hemodynamics, and the selected one or more anti-tachycardia therapies may be delivered to treat the tachycardia. The hemodynamic signals may comprise at least two, or a mixed combination, of cardiac impedance signals, cardiac chamber pressure signals, arterial pressure signals, heart sounds; and acceleration signals.

2009-05-21

20090132000

Method and apparatus for monitoring heart failure patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities - A system receives signals indicative of cardiopulmonary conditions sensed by a plurality of sensors and provides for monitoring and automated differential diagnosis of the cardiopulmonary conditions based on the signals. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is detected based on one or more signals sensed by implantable sensors. If the cardiogenic pulmonary edema is not detected, obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive pulmonary disease are each detected based on a forced vital capacity (FVC) parameter and a forced expiratory volume (FEV) parameter measured from a respiratory signal sensed by an implantable or non-implantable sensor. In one embodiment, an implantable medical device senses signals indicative of the cardiopulmonary conditions, and an external system detects the cardiopulmonary conditions based on these signals by executing an automatic detection algorithm.

2009-05-21

20090132001

USE OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER TO MODULATE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE - The present invention describes methods and devices using low frequency electrical stimulation or neural high frequency stimulation to modulate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The electrical stimulation may be delivered to the LES via one or more electrodes that is placed in contact with the LES tissue. The methods and devices are useful to treat a number of conditions or disease conditions, including for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

2009-05-21

20090132002

BAROREFLEX ACTIVATION THERAPY WITH CONDITIONAL SHUT OFF - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for using the same for activating (stimulating) the baroreflex system of a patient using a baroreflex activation system which may be automatically shut off or discontinue therapy by sensing/monitoring/interpreting sensed data which is indicative of a physiological condition of a patient.

Automatic Fitting for a Visual Prosthesis - The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

2009-05-21

20090132005

ASSESSING NEURAL SURVIVAL - Neural survival related to a cochlear implant may be assessed by determining stimulus efficacy for both focused and unfocused stimulation at a plurality of locations adjacent nerve tissue; and comparing stimulus efficacy for both the focused and unfocused stimulation at a plurality of locations to determine a measure of neural survival. In particular small differences in effects produced by unfocused and focused stimulation at each of the locations tends to indicate good survival at those locations and conversely large differences in effects of focused and unfocused stimulation at a given location indicate poor survival at that location.

2009-05-21

20090132006

USING INTERACTION TO MEASURE NEURAL EXCITATION - Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined.

2009-05-21

20090132007

Voltage Protection Circuits For Implantable Medical Devices - An implantable medical device has an electronic circuit and a telemetry circuit both connected to a common ground, and at least one RF telemetry antenna that is formed by a number of parts of the implantable device that are capable of functioning as an antenna. When implanted, these parts are in contact with tissue. For voltage protection, the RF antenna circuit is connected to the parts of the RF telemetry antenna via at least one capacitor. The capacitor is dimensioned to withstand a voltage amplitude of a pulse that would be capable of modifying the state of, or destroying, any component in the RF telemetry circuit or the electronic circuit.

2009-05-21

20090132008

MEDICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A medical system includes an implantable medical device configured for implantation in a living subject to interact with the subject, an extracorporeal device having a processor that processes information such as programming instructions for the implantable medical device or monitoring data received from the implantable medical device, and at least two antenna devices located at respectively different locations. The implantable medical device communicates with at least one of the two antenna devices, and the extracorporeal device also communicates with the at least two antenna devices to exchange the aforementioned information with the implantable medical device via at least one of the two antenna devices. The at least two antenna devices are physically separated from the extracorporeal device and the extracorporeal device communicates with each of the at least two antenna devices via a communication link that allows the extracorporeal device to be freely moved relative to the at least two antenna devices. The communication link can be a hard-wired communication link or a wireless communication link.

2009-05-21

20090132009

DETERMINATION OF STIMULATION OUTPUT CAPABILITIES THROUGHOUT POWER SOURCE VOLTAGE RANGE - Techniques for determining whether a medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to a particular program throughout a voltage range of a power source of the medical device are described. According to some examples, the medical device simulates a power source voltage level lower than a present voltage level of the power source, and delivers stimulation according to the program while simulating the lower power source voltage level. Whether medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to the program when the power source is actually at the lower voltage level is determined based on an electrical parameter measured during the delivery of stimulation while simulating the lower voltage level. The simulation and determination for a program may be performed, as an example, when the program is created or modified.

2009-05-21

20090132010

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING COMPLEX BIOELECTRIC STIMULATION SIGNALS WHILE CONSERVING POWER - A system and method for generating an electrical signal for use in biomedical applications may have power efficient features, support battery powered operation and, support a reduced risk of shock hazard. The system may include a controller for generating one or more control signals operable to control pulse generating and waveform processing circuits. The control signals may include at least two states alternating in a chosen pattern as a function of time. During at least one of the control signal states, an oscillator for generating a pulsed signal may be operable. During at least another of the control signal states, the oscillator can be disabled and completely shut off in order to conserve considerable power. The generated pulses may be processed to provide desired intensity and frequency components. The processed signals may be applied to biological material.

2009-05-21

20090132011

Multi-Wavelength Oral Phototherapy Applicator - Oral phototherapy applicators are disclosed that are sized and shaped so as to fit at least partially in a user's mouth and have at least one radiation emitter coupled to an apparatus body to irradiate a portion of the oral cavity with phototherapeutic radiation in at least two separate spectral bands. In one embodiment, the spectral bands are distinct. In another, the bands overlap but provide different therapeutic effects. The apparatus can further include bristles to provide a phototherapeutic toothbrush. Alternatively, the apparatus body can be adapted for placement in a fixed position relative to the oral cavity during phototherapy.

2009-05-21

20090132012

Method for pretreating patient before surgery - This invention is a method of pre-treating a patient with low-level laser energy to reduce pain and swelling caused by subsequent injury, thereby speeding recuperation. The preferred embodiment applies low-level laser energy at about 635 nm prior to surgery. In a preferred embodiment prior to breast augmentation, 635 nm laser energy emitted from a laser source of less than 1 W is applied for about 3 minutes to the patient's breast prior to breast augmentation surgery. In an alternate embodiment, the same low-level laser energy is applied for about 4 minutes to the patient's breast after breast augmentation surgery, as well. The method is applicable to pre-disease states which are expected to be followed by injury.

2009-05-21

20090132013

Cooling Medical Device - A medical device embodied as a stretcher, body bag, or mattress is disclosed. The device includes water and a selectively breakable package. The selectively breakable package includes a chemical, such as ammonium nitrate, which when mixed with water will cause an endothermic reaction. In use, the package is broken in order to cause the water to cool. The cooled water absorbs heat from an injured person placed on the device, thereby minimizing inflammation that may occur from injuries sustained by the person.

2009-05-21

20090132014

SELF FORMING TEMPERATURE TREATMENT PACK - A temperature pack adapted to enclose an appendage, and method of forming such a temperature pack is provided. The temperature pack is a tubular pouch with an inner wall spaced apart from an outer wall. An opening extending through the tubular pouch, and the inner wall is twisted relative to the outer wall. The temperature pack is formed by rolling a tube onto itself such that the distal ends of the tube are aligned to each other. One distal end is then twisted with respect to the other so as to form a temperature pack having a mobious strip and only one seal. The temperature pack may be filled with a gelatinous solution capable of retaining heat or cold. Alternatively the temperature pack may be filled with particulate material separated from a liquid solvent wherein when the two are mixed an exothermic or endothermic reaction occurs.

2009-05-21

20090132015

Method and System for Using Directional Antennas in Medical Treatments - A method and system uses heat generated by radio frequency (RF) signals induced hyperthermia to destroy abnormal cells that cause diseases. A patient's body is not invaded with any substance or equipment. This invention incorporates a physical phenomenon that occurs when RF signals are added. When the amplitudes of RF signals are added there is a marked increase in the amplitude of the resulting signal. The physics of RF signals causes the intensity of the resulting signal to quadruple. Heat is generated as a result of intensity. In the present invention, RF signals from multiple directional antennas are added at a target location. At this location, preferably the amplitudes of the RF signals that are in phase. When this occurs, the intensity at that target location dramatically increases thereby the heat at that point dramatically increases. The intense heat at the target location destroys the cells at the target location. However, the amplitudes of the RF signals are only added at the target location. As a result, the increased intensity and intense heat only occur at that target location. Therefore, the RF signals do not affect the body at any other location.

2009-05-21

20090132016

Electrical Connector with Canopy for an In-Body Multi-Contact Medical Electrode Device - An electrical connector for connecting a multi-contact medical electrode device with a plural-contact tail. Having a tail-receiving first elongate member with a tail-receiving void and a second elongate member. The second elongate member has a nesting surface and an array of electrical conductors which are spring-loaded pin plunger devices. The spring-loaded pin plunger devices having movable pins that project into the tail-receiving void. The second elongate member also having at least one canopy extending from the nesting surface and over a respective electrical conductor, the canopy being configured for snap-engagement with the notch whereby the canopy holds in place the respective linear-array plural-contact tail through locking frictional engagement.

2009-05-21

20090132017

STIMULATION/SENSING LEAD ADAPTED FOR PERCUTANEOUS INSERTION - The present invention relates to a percutaneous insertion-capable lead, wherein insertion made through a percutaneous insertion structure. For one embodiment of such lead, the electrode-supporting stimulation portion of the lead includes at least one waisted region, relative to a transverse dimension of the lead, to facilitate lead steerability.

2009-05-21

20090132018

Nerve Stimulation Patches And Methods For Stimulating Selected Nerves - A selective nerve stimulation patch includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, integrated components overlying the top surface of the substrate and being electrically interconnected with one another for generating at least one nerve stimulating signal, electrodes integrated into the substrate and exposed at the bottom surface thereof for applying the at least one nerve stimulating signal to a target nerve, a waterproof, breathable cover overlying the substrate and the integrated components, and a support flange surrounding the substrate and coupling the cover and the substrate together. The support flange has a top surface that slopes downwardly toward an outer perimeter thereof, and at least a portion of the cover conforms to the sloping top surface of the support flange. In one embodiment, the patch generates a high frequency waveform with properties such as amplitude, frequency and the like chosen so as to overcome tissue impedance and the stimulation threshold of the target nerve. The modulated waveform is the waveform obtained by modulating the carrier waveform by a pulse envelope.

2009-05-21

20090132019

Bifurcate Stent Delivery Catheter - A bifurcate stent delivery catheter is disclosed that includes a proximal shaft and two distal shaft branches having a bifurcated stent mounted thereon, wherein one or more conventional balloon catheters may be advanced within lumens of the bifurcate catheter to deploy the bifurcated stent. Since no balloons are mounted on the bifurcate catheter, the clinician may use any combination of balloon sizes for deploying various portions of the bifurcated stent and thus custom-select appropriate balloon sizes to best treat the bifurcation. Once a conventional balloon catheter is positioned within a distal shaft branch of the bifurcate stent delivery catheter, each of the distal shaft branches of the bifurcate catheter are constructed to split or otherwise expand in a controlled manner upon expansion of the balloon catheter in order to allow the bifurcated stent to be expanded or deployed.

2009-05-21

20090132020

SECUREMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR EXPANDABLE ENDOVASCULAR DEVICE - A securement assembly for releasably securing an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube. The securement assembly comprises a belt base configured for securement relative to the delivery tube. The belt base defines a release member passage and a receiving portion. A first end of a belt is fixed relative to the belt base. The opposite end of the belt includes a retainment portion configured to releasably engage the receiving portion of the belt base. A release member is removably positioned through the release member passage and aligned with the belt retainment portion such that the retainment portion is maintained engaged with the receiving portion until the release member is moved to a non-aligned position. A method of releasably securing a portion of an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube is also provided.

2009-05-21

20090132021

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY, SPREADING AND DOUBLE-ENDED FIXATION OF VASCULAR GRAFTS - The present invention relates to medical techniques, more particularly to methods and apparatus for delivery and double-ended fixation of vascular prosthesis—grafts or stent-grafts to blood vessel walls in direction from inside these vessels to their outer surface. The apparatus comprises a tubular body with two expandable working heads at the free end, means for securing thereon the prosthesis end. The heads have eight cartridges each, and each of these cartridges is provided with one basic and one standby fastener means, substantially U-shaped staples. A control mechanism is provided consisting of two control modules joined together. The apparatus is also provided with means for positioning inside a blood vessel. There is further proposed a method for delivery and double-ended fixation of an endovascular prosthesis to a blood vessel wall.

2009-05-21

20090132022

STENTS WITH METALLIC COVERS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - All metal stent grafts and covered stents having either a single structural supporting stent member with concentrically positioned graft members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the stent member or a single graft member with concentrically positioned structural supporting stent members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the graft member are provided.

2009-05-21

20090132023

METHODS AND APPARATUS WITH POROUS MATERIALS - A method and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a system having multiple pores. In one embodiment, the system comprises a medical device for insertion into an organism, comprising a main structure and a porous portion on the main structure.

COMPOSITE STENT WITH INNER AND OUTER STENT ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A composite stent structure includes separate and distinct stent elements or members: an outer stent element and an inner stent element removably attached to the outer stent element. The outer element may be, for example, a bioabsorbable stent typically constructed of a relatively non-resilient material such that the outer bioabsorbable stent element may not be self-expanding and subject to migration within the lumen over time. In contrast, the inner element may be, for example, a removable SEMS used to urge and maintain the outer element in position in the body lumen. The temporary inner SEMS may retain the composite structure (including the underlying inner element) in position until such time as the outer element is appropriately incorporated into the surrounding tissue or some other criteria occurs such that the removal of the SEMS is indicated. The SEMS may then be detached from the outer element and removed from the body lumen.

2009-05-21

20090132026

DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIFURCATED GRAFT - A delivery system and method for delivering a bifurcated intracorporeal device. The delivery system comprises a shaft having a distal section supporting a primary support member positioned to be disposed within at least a primary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device and a secondary support member extending within a secondary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device. At least one belt is configured to be circumferentially disposed about a portion of the secondary support member so to at least partially constrain the secondary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device. A tube defining a lumen is secured relative to the secondary support member. A release member is configured to engage and releasably secure the belt in a constraining configuration. The release member extends through at least a portion of the tube lumen such that the release member is accessible adjacent a proximal end of the tube.

Extendible Stent Apparatus and Method for Deploying the Same - An imagable extendable stent apparatus for insertion into a bifurcating vessel or a vessel opening. The stent apparatus comprises a main stent and a flared stent, which may used individually or in combination with each other. The flared stent may be interlocked with the main stent to provide stent coverage over the entire region of a bifurcation. The main stent of the apparatus may be deployed at the bifurcation point of a vessel, allowing unimpeded future access to the side branch of the bifurcated vessel. The flared stent may be employed at vessel openings. Also disclosed and claimed are methods for implanting the extendable stent apparatus into the bifurcation point or the ostium of a subject vessel.

Method Of Modifying A Metal Substrate To Improve Surface Coverage Of A Coating - This application relates to a method of modifying the surface of a metal substrate to improve the surface coverage of a coating applied to the substrate. The method comprises heating at least the surface of the substrate to a temperature within the range of approximately 175-400° C.; and applying at least one layer of the coating to the substrate. In one particular embodiment the substrate is heated to a temperature within the range of 200-350° C. The low temperature heating enhances the hydrophilicity of the metal substrate while avoiding the disadvantages of high temperature thermal oxidation.

2009-05-21

20090132031

Stent Having Spiral Channel for Drug Delivery - A drug delivery stent is formed by a metallic or polymeric tubular strut which is shaped into a generally cylindrical configuration, the tubular strut having a central lumen for containing a therapeutic substance or drug therein. The tubular strut has a continuous channel extending from the inside surface of the strut to the outside surface of the strut positioned spirally about or in a corkscrew fashion around a circumference of the tubular strut for delivering the therapeutic substance or drug to a stenotic lesion. The spiral or corkscrew channel width may be varied along the length of the strut to control elution rate and/or flexibility of the stent. The pitch of the spiral or corkscrew channel may also be varied along the length of the strut to control flexibility of the stent. The stent may be carried on a balloon of a balloon catheter to a site of a stenotic lesion where the stent is implanted.

2009-05-21

20090132032

Valve prosthesis for implantation in body channels - A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

2009-05-21

20090132033

Implant Delivery System and Method - An implant delivery system may comprise a catheter including at least one lumen, a guide wire configured to be received in the lumen, and an implant. The guide wire may comprise a clamping mechanism disposed about a distal end of the guide wire. The clamping mechanism may include a first and at least a second jaw wherein at least one of the jaws is configured to pivot between a closed position wherein the jaws define at least one internal cavity between the jaws configured to receive at least a portion of the implant and an open position configured to release the implant. The implant may be configured to be received in the lumen and may comprise a driver configured to be releasably received in the cavity of the clamping mechanism.

2009-05-21

20090132034

Bioprosthetic Valve Clip and Handle - An improved implantation holder apparatus and system for holding bioprosthetic aortic valves for insertion into a heart. The handle system interacts with implantation holder and the valve in such a way that commissure support struts may be retracted by simply rotating the handle which allows the surgeon more room to work in tight quarters to complete the implantation process. Included is a handle system, which can be attached and detached, for securing the holder during application of the parachute stitching and moving the valve into position. Once the valve is in position, the handle may be retained in place, or removed for greater ease of access to the aortic cavity.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A REGURGITANT HEART VALVE - An apparatus is provided for treating regurgitation of blood flow through a diseased heart valve. The apparatus includes an annular support member and at least one posterior leaflet support member. The annular support member has an anterior end portion, a posterior end portion, and oppositely disposed first and second intermediate portions extending between the end portions. The at least one posterior leaflet support member is securely connected to the annular support member and is dimensioned to extend across a portion of a free edge of a posterior valve leaflet. The posterior leaflet support member comprises an arcuate center portion integrally formed with and extending between first and second end portions. The arcuate center portion has a concave shape relative to the anterior end portion. At least one of the first and second end portions is securely attached to the posterior end portion.

2009-05-21

20090132037

Valve Frame - The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.

LOW-TACK OPHTHALMIC AND OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL DEVICE MATERIALS - Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers as principal device-forming monomers and a tack-reducing macromer additive. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.

2009-05-21

20090132040

Ocular Implant Delivery System and Method - A method of inserting an ocular implant into a patient's eye, the ocular implant being mounted on a carrier, the method comprising: inserting a cannula into an anterior chamber of the eye; moving a distal exit port of the cannula into communication with Schlemm's canal; and advancing the ocular implant and carrier through an exit port of the cannula into Schlemm's canal. The invention also provides an ocular implant and delivery system comprising: a cannula comprising a distal exit port adapted to be inserted into a Schlemm's canal portion of an eye; an ocular implant; a carrier disposed within the implant and movable with the implant within the cannula; and a proximal control adapted to be operated from exterior to an eye to move at least one of the carrier and the implant when the distal exit port of the cannula is within the eye.

2009-05-21

20090132041

ASTIGMATIC INTRAOCULAR LENS - The invention concerns an intraocular lens for the correction of astigmatic ametropia, which has both a torically refractive front face and a torically refractive rear face. The intraocular lens also has a torically refractive lens surface whose section curve in at least one principal meridian is described by an asphere. Finally the intraocular lens has a torically refractive lens surface with two principal meridians which include an intermediate angle that is not equal to 90°.

2009-05-21

20090132042

IMPLANTABLE DEVICE INCLUDING A RESORBABLE CARRIER - An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

2009-05-21

20090132043

Prosthesis with Bladder that Adjusts Girth - A prosthetic device comprises a column formed of resilient material and having a proximal end and a distal end. The prosthetic device comprises a bladder having a liquid cavity at the distal end. The bladder is inflatable and deflatable to increase and decrease a girth at the distal end of the prosthetic device. The prosthetic device comprises a liquid supply system that couples along the column to the bladder for selectively controlling liquid flow to the bladder to increase and decrease the girth.

2009-05-21

20090132044

Prosthesis with Bendable Central Region - A prosthetic device including a column of resilient material that has a central region between the proximal and distal ends. The central region has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal ends. Discs protrude from the central region.

2009-05-21

20090132045

INSTRUMENT FOR USE IN A JOINT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE - A trial implant component for use in a surgical procedure for replacement of a joint prosthesis at a joint between a long bone and another bone includes a metaphyseal part which can be located so that it extends into a cavity at the resected face of the long bone in contact with the internal wall of the cavity in the metaphyseal region. The metaphyseal part has a part of a spigot and socket assembly for engaging a mating component which has the corresponding part of the said assembly. The spigot and socket assembly defines an assembly axis, in which the ratio of the length of the metaphyseal part measured between the superior and inferior faces along the assembly axis to its width at the superior face measured generally along the medial-lateral axis is not more than about 1.0.

2009-05-21

20090132046

Implant for Use with an Osteotomy Plate - The subject of the invention is an implant made of bioinert material to be used with an osteotomy plate to correct the alignment of the lower limbs by addition, this implant having a housing that opens onto its upper and lower surfaces, this implant being characterized in that it has sufficient mechanical strength to transmit and/or absorb the loads to which it is subjected so as to protect a bone precursor placed in the housing and is extractible without notably weakening the bone reconstruction, and to this end the housing that houses the bone precursor has a hollow shape and the implant occupies a volume on the order of 10 to 35% of the osteotomy site.

2009-05-21

20090132047

ANCHORING SYSTEMS AND INTERFACES FOR FLEXIBLE SURGICAL IMPLANTS FOR REPLACING CARTILAGE - Surgical implants for replacing cartilage are provided with hydrogel polymers affixed to anchors made of “shape-memory” materials, such as nitinol alloys. These implants can be flexed, allowing them to be inserted into joints arthroscopically. After insertion, an implant will return to its manufactured size and shape, and can be anchored to bone or other tissue. The anchoring components can grip and hold hydrogels or other soft polymers by means of an interface of porous fabric. The fabric can support a reinforcing mesh embedded within the soft polymer, and its bottom surface can promote tissue ingrowth, leading to stronger anchoring. Two or more porous layers can enclose a soft polymer, for purposes such as sustained drug release or holding transplanted cells.

2009-05-21

20090132048

Biodegrading Coatings of Salt for Protecting Implants Against Organic Contaminants - An implant, in particular an implant for dental applications, is provided at least partially in the area of its surface with a protective layer. The protective layer is intended to avoid the deposition of contaminants. The protective layer is chosen such that it breaks up on contact with body fluids and/or bone, with the result that essentially no residues remain on the surface of the implant.

Method and arrangement at implants preferably for a human intervertebral and such implant - In an arrangement for production of implant consisting of biocompatible material and intended for a vertebral disk, preferably intervertebral disk in the human body, the condition (state) of the disk is established by aids of condition establishing means and parameters. A first information created by aid of the means and parameters is arranged to control computer equipment for production of a simulation model of the disk in question with surrounding vertebras. A second information created by the computer equipment in dependency of the simulation incorporates or consists of information about the outer volume and design of the implant put in relation to the present alteration of or in the disk. The second information is arranged to initiate or contribute to the control of one or more equipments for production of the implant. In this manner, it is possible to arrange a technical arrangement and method for an individually adapted implant.

2009-05-21

20090132051

ARTIFICIAL CERVICAL AND LUMBAR DISCS, DISC PLATE INSERTION GUN FOR PERFORMING SEQUENTIAL SINGLE PLATE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANTATION ENABLING SYMMETRIC BI-DISC PLATE ALIGNMENT FOR INTERPLATE MOBILE CORE PLACEMENT - An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

2009-05-21

20090132052

INTERVERTEBRAL DISK PROSTHESIS PROVIDED WITH ANCHOR MEANS - An intervertebral disk prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises: a first plate for engaging a first vertebral body, said first plate comprising a first slot formed through the first plate; a second plate for engaging a second vertebral body, said second plate comprising a second slot formed through the second plate; a first anchor member, said first anchor member positioned and slidable through the first slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the first vertebral body; and a second anchor member, said second anchor member positioned and slidable through the second slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the second vertebral body. The first plate and the second plate engage with one another by way of complimentary concave and convex spherical cap portions to provide relative movement between the first plate and the second plate.

2009-05-21

20090132053

Apparatus and method for supporting vertebral bodies - An apparatus and method for supporting upper and lower vertebral bodies, including first and second end members adapted for engagement with the vertebral bodies, and at least one elongate support member coupled between the end members to maintain an axial space between the vertebral bodies. In one aspect of the invention, each of the end members has a parametrical or horseshoe-shaped configuration extending about an open inner region and defining a lateral passage communicating with the open inner region to facilitate insertion of the apparatus or the individual end members into the intervertebral space via a posterior surgical approach. In a further aspect of the invention, a fusion member is positioned within the axial space to promote bony fusion between the upper and lower vertebral bodies.

2009-05-21

20090132054

Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis - The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate (

2009-05-21

20090132055

ARTHROPLASTY DEVICE - Disclosed is a device and method of tricompartmental arthroplasty of the knee. The device permits arthroplasty of the medial and lateral and patellofemoral compartments of the knee while leaving the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments intact. The device provides a femoral implant component that includes a trochlear surface and tibial prostheses component which can be secured to the tibia.

2009-05-21

20090132056

TUBE SOCK-SHAPED COVERING - A tube-sock shaped polymeric covering for wearing over an amputation stump. The covering has an open end for receiving the amputation stump and a closed end opposite the open end. The covering includes a docking means for attachment of an external device to the covering. The covering may also include one or more areas of reinforcing material that can be present in the form of a strip or rod, for example. The reinforcing material is comprised of a material that is less stretchable than the polymeric material forming the covering, and acts to reduce stretching and/or movement of the covering

2009-05-21

20090132057

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENTS OF A PLURALITY OF MECHANICAL UNITS - A control system is disclosed for controlling the movements of a plurality of mechanical units. The control system includes a plurality of independent control units, each including one or more control programs having instructions for controlling movements of at least one mechanical unit, and software for executing the control programs, wherein each control unit is configured to be put into any of a plurality of different states independent of states of remaining control units. A single server unit contains the plurality of independent control units, the server including memory for storing the control programs and the software for executing the control programs, a processor having at least one core, communication hardware for communicating with a network, and a resource-distributing unit adapted to distribute real and virtual hardware resources of the server unit to the control units, such that the control units share the real and virtual hardware resources of the server unit.

2009-05-21

20090132058

Control and Communication System Including an Engineering Unit - A control and communication system including a number of automation units which are adapted to process signals in function plans within the automation unit and which are connected in the same level to a common communication bus for providing a peer-to-peer communication between the automation units, further includes an engineering unit being connected to the communication bus and being adapted to provide functions allowing at least one automation unit to exchange signals to a function plan which is attributed to another automation unit.

2009-05-21

20090132059

INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLER USING SHARED MEMORY MULTICORE ARCHITECTURE - A multicore processor for industrial control provides for the execution of separate operating systems on the cores under control of one of the cores to tailor the operating system to optimum execution of different applications of industrial control and communication. One core may provide for a reduced instruction set for execution of industrial control programs with the remaining cores providing a general-purpose instruction set.

2009-05-21

20090132060

FOUNDATION FIELDBUS SIMULATION SYSTEM - A method and system for simulating the control of a process with a controller. The method creates a virtual process scheme having virtual devices connected on a virtual bus, such as a Fieldbus. The virtual scheme also includes process information. The process scheme is stored in a read/write medium and configured for communication access by a controller. The communication configuration uses an actual bus in bus protocol, such as a Fieldbus protocol. The actual bus couples with the virtual bus to replicate actual “real world” communication across the particular bus protocol. The DCS generates and transmits control communication, such as control commands based on data representing the virtual scheme. The virtual scheme data is dynamically updated with an associated Information Handling System to replicate an actual dynamic process. The seamless communication link coupled with the dynamic virtual scheme data simulates process control for the DCS.

2009-05-21

20090132061

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING FROM TRANSIENT FAULTS IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method is disclosed for system fault recovery by an implantable medical device which employs a global fault response. The system enables the device to consistently recover from transient faults while maintaining a history of the reason for the device fault. Upon detection of a fault, the primary controller of the device signals a reset controller which then issues a reset command. All sub-systems of the primary device controller are then reset together rather than resetting individual sub-systems independently to ensure deterministic behavior.

2009-05-21

20090132062

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PRECOMPILING PROGRAM SEQUENCES FOR WAFER PROCESSING - Disclosed are apparatus and methods for embodiments for efficiently and flexibly controlling hardware devices in a semiconductor processing system are provided for use in a distributed control arrangement. In general, the distributed arrangement includes at least one upper-level controller that is configurable with a computer program sequence of instructions for controlling one or more hardware devices of a processing tool. The hardware devices are controlled through one or more lower-level controllers. Prior to execution of the program sequence of the upper-level controller, at least one instruction of this program is pre-compiled so as to translate the instruction for execution by a selected lower-level controller and to add an at least one interlock check to such pre-compiled instruction and make the translated instruction accessible to at least one lower-level controller. The interlock check specifies one or more condition(s) for the selected lower-level controller to execute the pre-compiled instruction. Any number of instructions of the upper-level controller may be translated for use by any number of selected lower-level controllers, where some of the translated instructions include one or more interlock checks.

Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods Utilizing Adaptive Control - A method for controlling a process, wherein the process has an input and an output, and including controlling the input to the process; predicting the output of the process based on a first set of operating parameters; predicting the output of the process based on a second set of operating parameters; updating the first set of operating parameters when a result from predicting the output from the first set of parameters differs from the output of the process by more than a predetermined amount, wherein the predetermined amount is a function the output predicted by the second set of parameters. The invention also includes apparatuses and systems.

2009-05-21

20090132065

ELECTRONICALLY KEYED DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS UTILIZING NEAR FIELD FREQUENCY RESPONSE - A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

2009-05-21

20090132066

Low maintenance spa control system - A spa control system designed to reduce maintenance cost by providing modular construction for major control functions, with built-in diagnostic capabilities for isolating defective spa components. Multi-colored LEDs on the spaside panel constantly report the status of each component of the spa as well as the status of the functional modules themselves. Each time a component is activated, measurements of operational parameters, such as load currents, are instantly made and evaluated so that the proper LED color can be presented at the spaside. Since major functions such as audio, LED control, wireless, and spa logic are separated into removable modules, repair of the control system requires less time and less skilled personnel. Other design improvements, such as direct monitoring of heater element temperature and the purging of pumps on an as required-basis, enhance the spa's overall reliability and thus reduce the need for maintenance.

2009-05-21

20090132067

Design Device for Designing a Control System and Method for Examining the Technological Aims When Designing a Control System - The invention relates to a developer device for designing a control system comprising automation software and automation hardware for the automatic operation of a process. The designing device comprises a design module which is embodied in order to design the automatic software, an engineering module which is connected to the design module in order to receive the automation software, and which is configured in order to project the automation hardware based on the automation software and to produce projection data on the automation hardware, and a simulation module for simulating the automation software and the processes, and which is connected to the engineering module which is used to receive the projection data, in addition to the design module which is used to transfer simulated process data.

Asset Commissioning - Included are embodiments for asset commissioning. At least one embodiment of a method includes classifying at least one data point of an environment controlling asset as a responder data point and classifying at least one other data point of the environment controlling asset as a predictor data point, the at least one predictor data point configured to provide operation validation data regarding the at least one responder data point. Some embodiments include validating operation of the at least one responder data point by monitoring sensor data associated with the at least one responder data point and the at least one predictor data point.

2009-05-21

20090132070

CLIENT FOR AN APPLIANCE NETWORK - A client having at least one memory location is provided for use with an appliance network. The client includes an arbitrary software component for performing a useful function, a software architecture or a software architecture driver configured to generate or enable transmission of messages, and means to communicate by message over a network. Thus, the client can have full capability to act as an accessory to an appliance to communicate with and to enhance or alter the operation of the appliance.

2009-05-21

20090132071

Rating System for Identifying Exciting Sporting Events and Notifying Users - Systems and methods for determining interest levels for sporting events and notifying users when the sporting events' interest levels reach threshold levels. One embodiment is a system that includes a processing engine that receives data associated with sporting events and, based on this data, determines interest levels associated with the sporting events. The system also includes a notification engine is coupled to the processing engine. When the processing engine determines that the interest level associated with a particular sporting event has reached a threshold, the notification engine provides notifications to users indicating that the threshold level has been reached.

2009-05-21

20090132072

Media Player - A method of assigning a popularity rating to a media recording. A play instruction is generated in response to movement of a switch into an ON position and media playback is started. A stop instruction is generated in response to movement of the switch into an OFF position and the playback is stopped. A play duration indicative of the time lapse between receipt of the play instruction and receipt of the stop instruction is recorded; and a popularity rating assigned to the media recording in accordance with the play duration. A method of selecting and playing a media recording. Play histories are assigned to two or more media recordings, the play histories recording the order in which the media recording were last played. Probability values are assigned to the media recordings at least partially in accordance with their play histories. The probability of selection of each recording is determined by its probability value.

2009-05-21

20090132073

Guiding-Tour System and Apparatus - A guiding-tour system and apparatus, including: at least one host, which adheres or near to an exhibition object, and sets an unique discriminate number corresponding to the exhibition object, has a memory slot and at least one wireless transceiver module, at least one memory card is inserted into the slot, a voice guiding-tour data digital file of the exhibition object is recorded in the memory card, and transmits the digital file in the memory card in a wireless manner via the wireless transceiver module; at least one slave handheld by a visitor, the slave being a portable guiding-tour handheld by the visitor, which at least has a wireless transceiver module, may start a download program in a wireless manner, and downloads the voice guiding-tour data digital file stored in the memory card of the host to the slave handheld by the visitor, and playbacks it according to an instruction from the visitor.

2009-05-21

20090132074

AUTOMATIC SEGMENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING SEGMENT IN MUSIC PIECE, AUTOMATIC SEGMENT EXTRACTION METHOD, AND AUTOMATIC SEGMENT EXTRACTION PROGRAM - A segment automatic extracting system provides applications with an impressive segment of a musical composition as metadata on the composition by extracting a portion of the composition likely to be widely known by general users irrespective of the number of appearances in the composition. Associated method and program are also described. A first acoustic signature (AS) creating section creates an AS representing the feature value of the acoustic signal of each of contents. An important segment extracting section creates an acoustic segment signature representing the frequently appearing feature value from searching all created ASs. A second AS creating section creates an AS from the composition signal. A common segment extracting section judges whether each acoustic segment signature agrees with a part of the AS of the composition signal and outputs time information by which the AS of the musical signal agreeing with the AS can be specified.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING A MEDIA PLAYER TO DETERMINE IF IT SUPPORTS THE CAPABILITIES OF AN ACCESSORY - A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player.

2009-05-21

20090132077

MUSIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM - A music information retrieval system of the present invention can retrieve unknown songs including singing voices having similar voice timbres. Voice timbre features of the songs and identifiers for the respective songs are stored in voice timbre feature storage section